Friday, October 26, 2007

On Trial: Blue Bustier

Today, this blue, striped bustier from Charlotte Russe is on trial. I’ve found this trial process to be incredibly liberating. More and more often, I’m ready to let go of an item even before I hear from you. Still, I enjoy seeing the poll results and reading your comments.

I bought this last January, after lusting after all the chic bustiers I’d seen in stores during the holiday season. I remember having sizing issues when I tried on a few at Charlotte Russe. I couldn’t fasten the small, but the medium was loose. I figured loose was better, as I planned to wear the bustier over blouses.

I’ve worn it three times, with increasing thickness of the layer beneath. I first wore it over a sheer, lace blouse, then over a thin cotton blouse, and finally over this sweater. It is still too big. I’m also bothered by the fact that the construction isn’t exactly square – the stripes take a jog to one side near the bottom. I’m ready to swap it away, but you have one last chance to save it.

The corset looks great with the khaki pants in the picture from the spring. Not so sure about the siny blue satin over the dark turtleneck though. I think this is a cute look, but I'm not wild about *this* corset. I vote to swap.

You haven't posted about your garden in quite some time...please I have your garden blog in my favorites as I live close to your area and always get inspired by your lovely work. Cheers and I love that blue color on you. Looks great!

The belt confuses me . . . it seems redundant to put a belt on a bustier. Also, while I am a fan of belts for accenting and drawing attention to slim waistlines, in this case the belt seems to rectangular-ize a part of the body which should be curvy. If the bustier were belt-less, it would be more slimming and more attractive.

And . . .I don't think adding layers of clothing underneath a bustier that is too big is going to be a flattering look. It just makes you . . . bulky. It's like wearing three pairs of socks to fit into a pair of shoes; in the end, you just look like you have big feet.

Hhm. Usually I am all in favour of getting rid of clothes that are vexing. However, while I am not a fan of this look (layered over turtleneck), I think the other two looks - with the beautiful blazer and just over the cotton blouse - are stunning. Can you please just try and put up with the discomfort?!